What is Courtown Sailing Club (CSC)? Courtown Sailing Club is a small friendly, family run club in Courtown Harbour.
Who is the Commodore? James Mahon
How do we contact the Club?
By e-mail -
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By phone - 086 8066594
What age can I start sailing at? If you are lucky enough to have someone that will put a lifejacket on you shortly after birth, you can sail the high seas. You will see young children sail with their families on the cruisers in Courtown.
How do I become a member of Courtown Sailing Club? Download the ‘New membership’ form, fill it in and get a proposer and seconder.
What if I don’t have a proposer & seconder? Contact a member of the committee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it You may be pleasantly surprised how many people are members that you didn’t realise were in Courtown Sailing Club.
Can I get a Mooring in the Harbour?
The moorings are currently full. To get your name on the waiting list please apply in writing to:
Moorings OfficerCourtown Sailing ClubArdamineGoreyCo WexfordHow do I get involved in Cruiser Sailing? You can get involved in Cruiser sailing in a number of ways.
Check out the crew section of the website.
Come to the steps at 1 o'clock most Saturdays.
Come to the steps at 6.30 pm on Thursdays.
What do I need to go Sailing? For cruiser sailing you need:
Life jacket/buoyancy aid
Warm clothes
Appropriate wet gear
Non-marking soles on your shoes
Do I need an Echo Cert for Cruiser Racing? No - you no longer need an echo cert to participate in cruiser racing in CSC. Echo certs are required if participating in racing in other clubs.
Do I need Sail Numbers on my Sails? Yes - you do need sail numbers for both cruisers and dinghies. If you don't have a sail number please apply to the ISA.
Do I have to pay dinghy fees? Yes, if you intend to participate in dinghy activities you must pay dinghy fees.
What age can I sail a dinghy in Courtown? You can enrol in a summer dinghy course at 9 years of age. On Wednesday in fun sailing you can go in a dinghy with a friend or family. You can go as a guest even if you are not a member. You must fill out a guest form. Always wear your buoyancy aid.
What do I wear when I go Dinghy Sailing? You need a wet suit - a long one will keep you warm; underneath wear a rash vest; all should fit you neatly; sailing boots, sailing socks will keep you warm; a cag will reduce the effect of the wind. Never forget your buoyancy aid.
What other items will I need? A change of clothes; always bring something warm - if you capsize in the water it can be cold; you will need a fleece and track suit bottoms even on a fine day. Sun protection is necessary even when it is not sunny; the wind out on the water can be harsher than you realise.
What food or drinks do I bring with me? You will come ashore for lunch unless there is a day sail. Then you will be told beforehand. It is important that you are well hydrated, so plenty of fluids.
What dinghies are used in Courtown Sailing Club? The more commonly used dinghies are Topaz, Topper, and Laser
Do Courtown dinghy sailors use a slipway? If you can sail off Courtown beach you can sail anywhere; the dinghies are launched and recovered off the beach. It takes time especially if conditions are unfavourable; thats where help is needed; during the course the instructors and other sailors will help but on Sunday and Wednesday parents are needed on the beach; as they see a sailor coming towards the shore they read the sail number and get the launching trolley for you. Your Mum or Dad will be there to greet you with your trolley.
Where will I store my dinghy during the sailing season? For a small fee you can store your dinghy in the boatyard. You will be allocated a space.
What will I do with my dinghy in the winter time? Most sailors take them home with them but if you wish, for a fee you can leave it in the boatyard during the winter season.
Will my dinghy be safe in the boatyard? Yes security in the boatyard is very high; we have CCTV inside electric gates which are opened by individual codes.
Will I make friends on the course? You will be with a group of sailors that are your own age and ability; there will be lots of fun both during the course, on the water and during the other activities.
Are the sailing courses in Courtown Sailing Club recognised by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA)? Courtown Sailing Club is a registered sailing school with the ISA under the small boat scheme, and also for powerboat and safety boat courses. Please see www.sailing.ie
Can I do a powerboat or safety boat course in Courtown Sailing School? Yes you can do both but you will need to book these and you need to be 14 to do the first part of the powerboat course and 16 to do the second part of the powerboat course. You will need to have experience with a powerboat before you can do the safety boat course.
Are these courses expensive? Usually they are expensive but in CSC we keep our prices as low as possible. Under the regulations of the ISA a senior powerboat instructor in a powerboat school can give the course and the ratio is 1 to 3.
Can my mum and Dad sail too? Yes! Mum and Dad can do dinghy training on Friday evenings. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book a class. They can book a group class or a private class.
Can I watch Mum and Dad capsize? Yes, it will probably happen very quickly when they get into the dinghy; you hold on to the mobile phone for them.
Will Mum and Dad be able to sail on Sunday mornings? Yes. They may even win a prize.
What if I don’t pass when I do a course? With the help of our instructors you will but if not you can do it again; the more time you spend on the water having fun and practicing the easier you will find it.
Are all the instructors fully trained? All the instructors are fully qualified according to the standards of the ISA.
Who is in charge of the course? The course is run by the Dinghy Officer/Junior Coordinator, with a Senior Instructor in charge of the actual running of the course.
How will I know my instructor? All the instructors wear a high vis vest and have instructor written on it. Your instructor will know you even when you are on the water; they will watch your boat as you sail and will come quickly over to your assistance if they see you have a problem. If you capsize they will jump into the water if necessary and rescue you.
What if I don’t feel well when I’m sailing? The instructor will tow your dinghy back to the shore where the beach parent on duty will look after you.
Can my parents be sure that the instructors are safe people? We have a Garda vetting Officer in the club that ensures that all adults working with children have followed the Garda vetting regulations.
Is there anyone in the club I can talk to if I have a problem? CSC have a child liaison officer in the club and her number will be made available to all members.